Prevalence of Campylobacter in infant, juvenile and adult laboratory primates

A cross-sectional study of Campylobacter spp. infection was conducted on 125 infant (Macaca nemestrina and Macaca fascicularis) in an infant primate nursery housing infants from birth to 18 months of age, and 145 M. nemestrina aged from 4 months to 15 years at another facility (Primate Field Station) housing animals from birth to aged adults. The objective was to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in various age groups and to investigate the correlation with diarrhea. In the Infant Primate Research Laboratory approximately 70% of infants were infected at 18 months-old. Campylobacter coli was isolated from approximately two-thirds of the infected infants. One-third were Campylobacter jejuni and occasional infants were infected with a naladixic acid resistant, hippurate negative (NAR) Campylobacter spp. At the Primate Field Station virtually all animals cultured in 4-6 month-old, 16-20 month-old, and 3-5 year-old age groups were positive. Approximately one-third of middle-aged adults (10-15 years old) were positive with C. coli or NAR Campylobacter spp. Environmental factors such as location and movement of animals may provide an explanation for the prevalence data obtained in the two facilities and different age groups of animals. An etiologic role of Campylobacter spp. in diarrhea of laboratory primates was not established in this study.     

Fluctuations in peripheral serum testosterone levels within a day, with age and by sexual stimulation in male beagle dogs bred indoors

Fluctuations in serum levels of testosterone (T) within a day, both with age and as a result of sexual stimulation, were examined in male beagle dogs. Eighty male dogs aged between 3 months and 16 years and bred in our laboratory were used under strictly controlled breeding conditions (temperature: 22 +/- 1 degree C, relative humidity: 55 +/- 5%, lighting time: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.). The level of T was measured by an RIA method. In order to examine the fluctuation in T level within a day, blood samples were obtained at 0:00, 6:00, 12:00 and 18:00 in each of five dogs aged 1.7 and 2.1 years. T levels fluctuated with a regular pattern that was lowest at 12:00, and increased to a peak at 18:00-6:00, thereafter decreasing until 12:00. In order to examine the change in T level with age, blood samples were obtained at 9:00, 12:00 and 16:00 from 70 dogs aged between 3 months and 16 years. The regular diurnal pattern of T level was usually seen, and the levels at 12:00 were always low and did not fluctuate at any age except for 6 months, and 13, 14 and 16 years. The T level at 9:00 increased to reach a peak at 4 years, whereas that at 16:00 did so at 2 years. T levels at 9:00 were significantly higher at 4-12 and 14 years than at 3 months, and were higher at 4 years than at 9 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Age-related and seasonal variation in the Sertoli cell population, daily sperm production and serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone in stallions

Testes and blood samples were obtained from 201 stallions aged 6 months to 20 years in either December-January (nonbreeding season) or June-July (breeding season) to study the effect of age and season on reproductive parameters. Seasonal differences in the Sertoli cell population of adult (4-20 years old) horses were characterized by a 36% larger number of Sertoli cells in the breeding season than in the nonbreeding season. Seasonal elevation in the Sertoli cell population was associated with an increase in testicular weight and daily sperm production per testis (DSP/testis). Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in serum varied with season. Although follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations also tended to be higher in the breeding season, this trend was not statistically significant (P less than 0.08). Sertoli cell numbers averaged over both seasons, like testicular weights, increased with age until 4-5 years of age, but were stabilized thereafter. This age-related difference was also associated with increased concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone, and with increased DSP/testis. The Sertoli cell population was capable of increasing in the adult horse by fluctuating its size with season. The number of elongated spermatids per Sertoli cell over both seasons increased with age up to 4-5 years of age and was stabilized thereafter. Thus, seasonal and/or age-related differences in DSP/testis were associated with significant elevations in serum concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone, testicular weights, numbers of elongated spermatids per Sertoli cell and elevation of the Sertoli cell population.     

口服咪达唑仑对儿童术前分离焦虑的效果分析

目的:明确与父母分离焦虑在不同年龄段小儿的发生率,并探讨术前口服咪达唑仑对减轻患儿术前焦虑的效果。方法:募集442例年龄12岁的非心脏手术患儿,分为咪达唑仑组和对照组,每组再按照年龄分为五个年龄段。咪达唑仑组患儿术前30分钟给予0.5 mg/kg咪达唑仑口服;对照组则未予任何制剂。观察并比较不同年龄段患儿入手术室与家长分离时的情况。结果:药物组分离焦虑发生率显著低于对照组。在各年龄组中,8个月到3岁的婴幼儿是发生分离焦虑比例最高的年龄段。对照组分离焦虑的发生率为16.94%,研究组为8%,较对照组有显著下降(P0.05)。此外,研究组小于8个月和3-5岁组患儿发生分离焦虑的比例也均较未用药组有显著下降(P0.05)。结论:分离焦虑与患儿年龄相关,低龄患儿在手术前有明显的分离焦虑,术前30分钟口服咪达唑仑0.5 mg/kg能显著改善分离时的焦虑,但不能完全消除。     

Health condition of first permanent molars in year 1977 and 2007 in children in Istria (Croatia)

The aim of this study was to examine differences between health condition of the first permanent molar (M1) in children in 1977 and 2007. The materials for the study consisted of data on the health condition of M1 determined in a study in 1977 (Group I) for children from the district of Buje in Istria. The health condition of M1 was examined again in the same area in 2007 (Group II). The first permanent molar is most frequently affected by caries and represent a good indicator for general caries incidence of children. Study included 709 subjects in Group I (363 boys, 346 girls) and 460 subjects in Group II (242 boys, 218 girls), aged from 6 years and 0 months to 12 years and 5 months. The difference in the frequency of intact, decayed, filled and missingd M1 was examined in both groups. Chi2 test was used to determine the differences between the number of I (intact), D (decayed), F (filled) and M (missing) teeth for each age group in Group I and Group II. In Group I there were 29.3% intact, 48.9% decayed, 17.4% filled and 4.3% missing M1, and in Group II there were 53.0% intact, 22.6% decayed, 22.1% filled and 2.1% missing M1. During the period of 30 years, a significant increase of number of dental surgeries, and thus better preventive and health education, resulted in the significant increase in the number of intact (24.0%) and filled (4.7%) M1, and decrease in the number of decayed (26.3%) and missing (2.2%) M1. From 1977 to 2007, the number of intact M1 in group II increased considerably according to group I, while the number of decayed M1 in group II significant decreased according to group I. These changes were the result of a considerably increased number of dental surgeries.     

Orientation selectivity and visual acuity in schoolchildren and adults

We continued our study of the mechanisms of visual acuity (VA) in ontogenesis. We measured the VA and sensitivity to lines orientation and determined the minimal length of lines for discrimination of the vertical and the horizontal ones in subjects aged 7–25 years. It was found that the thresholds of discrimination of vertical and horizontal lines in subjects with normal VA decreased with age up to 9–10 years and then remained constant, while the orientation selectivity was improving up to the age of 14–16 years. The average VA almost did not depend on age. Individual thresholds of line lengths and orientation discrimination correlated with the VA of subjects.     

Regional adiposity, body composition and central body fat distribution of 10-16 years old Bengalee boys of Nimta, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India

A cross-sectional study of 502 Bengalee boys aged 10-16 years of Nimta, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, was undertaken to study regional adiposity, body composition and central body fat distribution. The subjects were classified into seven age groups: 10-10.9 years (n = 74), 11-11.9 (n = 53), 12-12.9 (n = 87), 13-13.9 (n = 116), 14-14.9 (n = 58), 15-15.9 (n = 57), 16-16.9 (n = 57). In general, there was a significant linear increasing trend from 10 to 16 years for all the anthropometric variables. There was a net increase of 30.5 cm and 22.8 kg in mean height and weight, respectively, between 10 and 16 years of age. Mean BMI increased by 3.7 kg/m2 during the same period. Among circumferences, the largest increase was in hip followed by chest while the smallest increase was in mid upper arm, between 10 and 16 years of age. Subscapular skinfold showed the largest increase followed by abdomen and suprailiac skinfolds, while the increase was least in forearm skinfold. Significant linear increasing trend was observed for all the body composition measures. The largest increase in percent of body fat (PBF) was observed between ages 10 and 11 years while mean fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass index (FMI) increased the most between 14 to 15 years. However, an overall decreasing trend was observed, in mean waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) from 10 to 16 years. Boys aged 10 years had the highest mean WHR while those aged 15 years had the lowest mean WHR. There was an increase in mean WHR among 16 years old boys.     

Caries and periodontal disease of the elderly in Pomerania, Germany: results of the Study of Health in Pomerania

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the oral health status of older adults living in north‐eastern Germany. Materials and Methods: Representative samples of adults aged 60 years or older were examined as part of Study of the Health in Pomerania, a cross‐sectional, population‐based study. Data on 1446 subjects aged 60–79 years were evaluated for coronal caries using the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index, root caries using the root caries index (RCI), calculus, plaque, bleeding on probing, pocket depth and attachment loss. Results: The prevalence of edentulousness varied from 16% in the 60–65‐year‐old group to 30% in the 75–79‐year‐old group, whereas the median number of remaining natural teeth per subject varied from 14 in the youngest age group (60–65 years) to one in the oldest (75–79 years). Among subjects aged 60–69 years, a quarter (26%) of the teeth examined had coronal restoration against 17% in the oldest age group (70–79 years). Coronal caries was found in 2% of the teeth in both age groups. Among teeth with gingival recession, 6% had fillings on root surfaces and 2% had root caries, irrespective of age. In all, 11% of the subjects had at least one untreated coronal lesion and 27% had at least one untreated root caries lesion. Plaque score, calculus score and bleeding on probing were higher in the oldest age group (70–79 years). The prevalence of periodontal disease expressed as the presence of at least one periodontal pocket of 4 mm and more, was higher in men and among the younger subjects (men aged 60–69 years: 85% vs. 71% in 70–79‐year‐old men; women aged 60–69 years: 71% vs. 62% in 70–79‐year‐olds). The prevalence of attachment loss of 3 mm or more followed a similar pattern. Conclusions: It seems therefore that in this population, the major oral health concern is related to caries and the small number of teeth retained among the dentate subjects.     

0～3岁婴幼儿超声骨密度现状调查及影响因素分析

目的:了解0~3岁婴幼儿的骨密度现状,并分析其相关影响因素,为婴幼儿骨密度不足的预防工作提供依据。方法:选取2016年1月-2018年10月期间于我院进行健康体检的0~3岁婴幼儿860例为研究对象。采用超声骨密度测量仪对入选婴幼儿左腿胫骨中段骨密度进行检测,并对婴幼儿的骨密度现状进行分析。采用问卷调查方式收集所有婴幼儿的性别、年龄、喂养方式、是否补充维生素D、户外活动时间等资料,并采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析0~3岁婴幼儿骨密度的影响因素。结果:860例婴幼儿中,骨密度正常婴幼儿336例,轻度骨密度不足婴幼儿196例,中度骨密度不足婴幼儿179例,重度骨密度不足婴幼儿149例,骨密度不足发生率为60.93%。单因素分析结果显示,不同年龄、性别、是否补充维生素D及不同户外活动时间婴幼儿之间的骨密度不足发生率比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而不同喂养方式婴幼儿之间的骨密度不足发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄(0~6个月,7~12个月)、性别(女)、补充维生素D(否)、户外活动时间(1 h)为0~3岁婴幼儿骨密度的危险因素(P0.05)。结论:0~3岁婴幼儿的骨密度不足发生率较高,年龄、女性、未补充维生素D、户外活动时间过少均是0~3岁婴幼儿骨密度的危险因素,可通过适量补充维生素D、增加户外活动时间以提高婴幼儿骨密度值。     

The physico-chemical characteristics of the phosphocholine-containing glycoglycerolipid MfGL-II govern the permeability properties of Mycoplasma fermentans.

Mycoplasma fermentans seems to be involved in several pathogenic conditions in humans, and is among other things capable of fusing with T-cells and lymphocytes. The choline-containing phosphoglycolipid 6'-O-(3"-phosphocholine-2"-amino-1"-phospho-1",3"-propanediol)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1'-->3)-1,2-diacylglycerol (MfGL-II) in the membrane of M. fermentans has been suggested to enhance the fusion process, and the characteristics of MfGL-II were therefore investigated. When a cell culture ages the fraction of MfGL-II increases, and the fraction of the other major membrane lipid, phosphatidylglycerol (PtdGro), decreases concomitantly. Swelling experiments showed that the permeability and osmotic fragility are markedly reduced in aged cells. MfGL-II is selectively released into the surrounding medium when aged M. fermentans cells are incubated in buffer containing EDTA. The physico-chemical properties of MfGL-II were studied by NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, and they can explain the biochemical results. The temperature for the transition between gel and lamellar liquid crystalline (Lalpha) phases is 35-45 degrees C higher for MfGL-II than for PtdGro, which most probably gives rise to the reduced permeability in aged cells. At high water contents MfGL-II forms an Lalpha phase and isotropic aggregates which were interpreted to be vesicles with a radius of approximately 450 A. It is proposed that MfGL-II forms vesicles in the surrounding medium when it is released from the cell membrane. Neither EDTA nor Ca2+ ions have a significant influence on the aggregate structures formed by MfGL-II. Our results indicate that MfGL-II has no fusogenic properties. It is more probable that a recently identified lysolipid in the M. fermentans membrane acts as a fusogen.     

Probability Density Functions Describing 24-Hour Inhalation Rates For Use in Human Health Risk Assessments

A Monte Carlo simulation was undertaken to estimate the amount of air inhaled over a typical 24-hour period by six age groups of Canadians. The objective of the simulation was to derive probability density functions that could be used to describe inhalation rates in probabilistic health risk assessments involving airborne contaminants. The six age groups considered were those typically employed in human health risk assessments in Canada: infants (aged 0 to 6 months), toddlers (aged 7 months to 4 years), children (aged 5 to 11 years), teenagers (aged 12 to 19 years), adults (aged 20 to 59 years), and seniors (aged 60 years and older). The resulting distributions are considered equally applicable to Americans as Canadians, however, since the study relied heavily on time-activity information gathered in the USA. Existing time-activity and breathing rate studies were reviewed in order to define random variables describing probable durations that North Americans spend at various levels of activity and their probable inhalation rates while at each level of activity. These random variables were combined in a Monte Carlo simulation to empirically generate probability density functions describing 24-hour inhalation rates for each age group. The simulation suggested that most age groups' 24 hour inhalation rates can be represented with log-normal probability density functions. Arithmetic mean values and standard deviations for these distributions are as follows: approximately 9.3 ± 2.4?m³/day for toddlers; 14.6 ± 3.0?m³/day for children; 15.8 ± 3.7?m³/day for teenagers; 16.2 ± 3.8?m³/day for adults; and 14.2 ± 3.3?m³/day for seniors. The distribution of infants' 24-hour inhalation rates was found to be better represented by a normal distribution than a log-normal distribution. The mean and standard deviation for the infants' normal distribution are 2.1 ± 0.58?m³/day. Inhalation rates were also estimated separately for male and female toddlers, children, teenagers, adults and seniors. These estimates suggested that males inhale on average 8% to 27% more air than females of the same age. Because infants' activity patterns and minute volumes did not appear to be strongly correlated with gender, a single probability density function was deemed satisfactory to describe male and female infants' 24-hour inhalation rates.     

The Mycoplasma fermentans prophage phiMFV1: genome organization, mobility and variable expression of an encoded surface protein

The approximately 16 kb genome of the Mycoplasma fermentans phiMFV1 prophage is described, and its mobility, replication and effect on the mycoplasma surface phenotype are demonstrated. In various M. fermentans strains, phiMFV1 was either absent or integrated at diverse (and sometimes multiple) chromosomal sites, each marked by a conserved TTTTTA target sequence that is duplicated upon integration. Precise excision, replication of an extrachromosomal form and loss of phiMFV1 from the mycoplasmal genome were documented in a series of clonal derivatives of M. fermentans propagated in culture. Of 18 open reading frames (ORFs) encoded by phiMFV1, most can be ascribed functions related to phage biology, whereas one encodes a unique coiled-coil membrane surface protein, Mem, that was confirmed to be expressed in propagating populations of M. fermentans. With the exception of Mem and other minor ORFs, the striking similarity between the deduced proteomes of phiMFV1 and the recently described phiMAV1 of arthritogenic strains of Mycoplasma arthritidis, along with the prominent gene synteny between these elements, provides the taxonomic basis for a new family of prophage. Their coding features are consistent with long-term residence in mycoplasma genomes and the divergence of species within a phylogenetic clade of mycoplasmas. The unique Mem protein expressed from phiMFV1 and the unique hypothetical surface lipoproteins encoded by phiMAV1 and phiMFV1 also suggest that prophage-associated genes may provide specific, selectable phenotypic traits during co-evolution of mycoplasma species with their respective mammalian hosts. Retention of these labile prophage elements in organisms with such drastically reduced genome sizes implies a significant role in adaptation and survival.     

Observations related to chronologic and gynecologic age in pregnant adolescents.

A low chronologic age (less than or equal to 15 years) and low gynecologic age (less than or equal to 2 years) have been considered factors that increase medical complications among adolescent pregnant women. Gynecologic age (GA) is defined in this study as age in years at conception minus age at menarche. Two hundred twelve consecutive pregnant teenagers were followed prospectively in the Teen OB Clinic at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center, between August 1978 and July 1981. The clinic population consisted of 37.3 percent Whites, 35.8 percent Hispanics, 20.8 percent Blacks, and 6.1 percent other (mostly Indochinese). Sixty-eight percent of the patients were funded by MediCal. The patient population was divided by chronological age (CA) at conception into those 15 years or less or 16 years or older. A low chronological age was found to be a significant risk factor for premature rupture of membranes. Teenagers with a low gynecologic age (less than or equal to 2) had a lower mean pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (Kg/M2) than teenagers with a higher gynecologic age. In this study, we did not find that a low CA or GA was correlated with a higher frequency of pregnancy-induced hypertension, prenatal medical problems, obstetrical problems at labor or delivery, or an excessive number of low-birthweight infants.     

Contrasting effects of Mycoplasma fermentans and M. felis on the viability and chemiluminescence response of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Abstract Trypan blue exclusion was used to estimate the viability of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in the presence of Mycoplasma felis and two strains of M. fermentans (PG18 and incognitus). The competence of PMNL to mount a respiratory burst when challenged with the mycoplasmas was also monitored by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL). Both un-opsonised and non-immune human serum opsonised M. felis cells had little effect on PMNL viability. In contrast, PMNL viability was reduced markedly by un-opsonised cells of M. fermentans strain incognitus and, to a lesser extent, strain PG18, and opsonisation of these mycoplasmas further enhanced killing. Death of PMNL in the presence of M. fermentans was not associated with the autonomous production of active oxygen species during the respiratory burst as M. felis induced a high CL response from PMNL, whereas that induced by M. fermentans strain incognitus was significantly lower. M. fermentans may invade mammalian cells and it is suggested that the mechanism of PMNL death could be related to the ability of M. fermentans to penetrate host cell membranes.     

Phylogenetic relationships of three porcine mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma flocculare, and Mycoplasma hyorhinis, and complete 16S rRNA sequence of M. flocculare.

The nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of Mycoplasma flocculare was determined and was compared with the sequence of a related porcine mycoplasma, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. While the overall level of DNA-DNA homology was approximately 11%, sequence alignment of the two 16S rRNA genes yielded a homology value of more than 95%, emphasizing the highly conserved nature of the 16S rRNA gene. Multiple sequence alignments with other mollicutes indicated that M. flocculare, M. hyopneumoniae, and Mycoplasma hyorhinis form a subcluster within the fermentans phylogroup, and this subcluster is distinct from the Mycoplasma pneumoniae phylogroup. Thus, the three mycoplasmas isolated from porcine respiratory systems exhibit phylogenetic similarities.     

Human pancreatic polypeptide in children and young adults

Measurement of human pancreatic polypeptide may be useful for assessment of gastrointestinal function, integrity of the parasympathetic nervous system or screening for endocrine neoplasia. In adults hPP levels have been reported to increase with age. However hPP levels throughout childhood have not been well characterized in comparison with the adult range. We studied fasting human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP) from 45 pediatric patients, from infancy - 15 years, and 18 older adolescents and adults aged 16-45 years. The mean hPP level of children (233 +/- 147 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that (113 +/- 35 pg/ml) of adults (P less than .0001). There was no difference in mean hPP levels of children with normal growth hormone secretion compared to growth hormone deficient patients. There was no effect of gender or body mass index on hPP levels. We conclude that fasting hPP levels must be interpreted with respect to the age of the subject, children particularly, in that preteens may have higher fasting levels than older teenagers and adults.     

Breast feeding,nutritional state,and child survival in rural Bangladesh

The effect of breast feeding on nutritional state, morbidity, and child survival was examined prospectively in a community in rural Bangladesh. Every month for six months health workers inquired about breast feeding and illness and measured arm circumference in an average of 4612 children aged 12-36 months. Data from children who died within one month of a visit were compared with those from children who survived. Roughly one third of the deaths in the age range 18-36 months were attributable to absence of breast feeding. Within this age range protection conferred by breast feeding was independent of age but was evident only in severely malnourished children.In communities with a high prevalence of malnutrition breast feeding may substantially enhance child survival up to 3 years of age.     

Cancer in Cumbria and in the vicinity of the Sellafield nuclear installation, 1963-90.

OBJECTIVE--To reappraise the epidemiological findings reported by the Black Advisory Group concerning a possible excess of malignant disease, particularly of childhood acute lymphoid leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, in the vicinity of the Sellafield nuclear installation, and to determine whether any excess of malignant disease had occurred among people aged 0-24 years in the area in the years after the Black report--that is, from 1984 to 1990. DESIGN--Calculation of incidence of cancer using data from population based cancer registries and special surveys. SETTING--England and Wales; county of Cumbria; county districts Allerdale and Copeland within Cumbria; Seascale ward within Copeland. SUBJECTS--All residents under the age of 75 years in the above areas, but with particular reference to those aged 0-24 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Numbers of cases and incidence particularly of lymphoid leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomas in those aged 0-24 years, but including other cancers and age groups. RESULTS--Previous reports of an increased incidence of cancer, especially of leukaemia, among those aged 0-24 years in Seascale during the period up to and including 1983 are confirmed. During 1984-90 there was an excess of total cancer among those aged 0-24 years. This was based on four cases including two cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma but none of leukaemia. There was an increased, but nonsignificant, incidence of other cancers, based on two cases (one pinealoma and one Hodgkin''s disease) occurring among those aged 15-24 years during 1984-90. This was not observed in the younger age group or in previous years. For the immediately surrounding area--that is, the county districts of Allerdale and Copeland excluding Seascale and in the remainder of Cumbria--there was no evidence of an increased incidence of cancer among those aged 0-24 years in either period. CONCLUSIONS--During 1963-83 and 1984-90 the incidence of malignant disease, particularly lymphoid leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, in young people aged 0-24 in Seascale was higher than would be expected on the basis of either national rates or those for the surrounding areas. Although this increased risk is unlikely to be due to chance, the reasons for it are still unknown.     

Increased incidence of colon cancer among individuals younger than 50 years: A 17 years analysis from the cancer registry of the municipality of Milan,Italy

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) overall incidence has been decreasing in the last decade. However, there is evidence of an increasing frequency of early-onset CRC in young individuals in several countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the trends of CRC occurrence over 17 years in the municipality of Milan, Italy, focusing on early-onset CRC.Population and methodsThis retrospective study was performed using the Cancer Registry of the municipality of Milan, including all cases of CRC diagnosed 1999-2015. Incidence rates were stratified by age and anatomic subsite, and trends over time were measured using the estimated annual percentage change. Age-period-cohort modelling was used to disentangle the different effects.Results18,783 cases of CRC were included. CRC incidence rates among individuals aged 50–60 years declined annually by 3% both in colon and in rectal cancer. Conversely, in adults younger than 50 years, overall CRC occurrence increased annually by 0.7%, with a diverging trend for colon (+2.6%) and rectal (−5.3%) cancer. Among individuals aged 60 years and older, CRC incidence rates increased by 1.0% annually up to 2007, and decrease thereafter by 4% per year, both for colon and rectal cancer. Age-period-cohort models showed a reduction of CRC risk for the cohorts born up to 1979, followed by an increase in younger cohorts. In contrast, rectal cancer among women showed a systematic risk decrease for all birth cohorts.ConclusionsThe study highlights increasing incidence of colon cancer in younger subjects and a decrease in incidence rates for rectal cancer in females.     

Basketball exercise and secretory immunoglobulin A.

This study examined saliva levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) before and after three games and three practice sessions during the basketball season. Saliva was collected from 27 prepubescent boys (10-12 years) in a small Fry league and 23 postpubescent boys (16-18 years) on a high school varsity team. Saliva samples were frozen for later assay using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. IgA levels were significantly increased after games 1 and 3 in both age groups and after practice 3 in the high school athletes. Over the 2 months of saliva collections the pre-exercise IgA increased significantly with games 2 and 3 higher than game 1, and practice 3 higher than practices 1 and 2, in both age groups. These results indicate that basketball exercise can increase saliva IgA levels and that chronic exercise over the basketball season may increase the resting levels of IgA. These changes may give athletes more protection against respiratory infections both after exercise and in the resting state later in the season.